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Nico Williams snubs Barcelona and signs massive new deal

Nico Williams will not be joining Barcelona in the summer transfer window after signing a very long-term contract extension with Athletic Club de Bilbao.

The Basque outfit announced on Friday that the winger had extended his current terms by eight years, designed to keep him at the club for the next decade.

Importantly, Athletic also say that his release clause has been increased by more than 50 percent, effectively locking Barcelona out of a possible deal this summer.

Williams’ release clause was said to be worth €62 million, but any club looking to sign the 22-year-old will now have to fork over more than €93m.

Nico Williams snubs Barcelona and signs massive new deal

Reports earlier this week claimed that Barça were planning on triggering the clause on Friday, the same Athletic announced the new deal.

It appeared a foregone conclusion that Williams would make the switch to the Blaugrana after reportedly agreeing terms on a six-year contract with the Catalan club. However, the deal stalled as doubts emerged over their ability to register the player for next season.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Williams in their bid to improve the frontline ahead of next season.